As people spend less time in traditional communities, they’re seeking connections beyond religion and family. Memberships with organisations or brands can create loyalty and boost revenues, but the reasons to join Scientology or Sainsbury’s are vastly different. So why do people become members?

People don’t spend hours browsing in bookstores anymore, instead relying on online recommendations. Consequently, publishers are having to rethink how to capture readers’ attention. Can Unbound – a platform that lets people influence and crowdfund the next great book – provide the answer?

A decade ago film festivals used to be make-or-break platforms for filmmakers. They were the places where you would meet producers that could fund your project. Now, thanks to crowdfunding, filmmakers only need to be armed with an idea and an internet connection.

Journalism has found itself at a crossroads in the digital age. And with many favouring listicles and sponsored content over long-form articles, certain forms of journalism are under threat. Byline is a start-up hoping to change this, using crowdfunding to help journalists write independent content.